Meet the Man Bringing ‘Gladiator-Style’ Football to Dubuque

America's insatiable appetite for football has been evident over the last several years. Numerous startup leagues have formed, dissolved, merged, and are still being created. Even in Iowa, we have seen several new teams, including the Iowa Woo of The Arena League and the Dubuque Miners, who are set to begin play next year.

Late last year, it was revealed that Dubuque would be getting its first-ever arena football team. That team is the Iowa Power, who are part of the United Indoor Football Association (UIFA). They are set to begin play in August 2025, with their home games being played at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque.

I grew up watching the Chicago Rush play in Rosemont, IL, and have always appreciated the excitement that is inherent with arena football. I was lucky enough to chat with Anthony Bartley, the owner and head coach of the Iowa Power. Bartley was kind enough to give me the inside scoop of the Power, their identity, and some background into himself as well.

Who are the Iowa Power?:

Bartley started off our conversation by illustrating exactly what he wants the Iowa Power to be: tough, physical football that is predicated on a stout defense and an electric offense, in so many words:

The Iowa Power is all about entertainment. Fast, fan-friendly. Just pure unadulterated, gladiator-style football at its finest. The Iowa Power is looking to bring excitement and looking forward to bringing in a strong, winning tradition - Iowa Power Owner and Head Coach Anthony Bartley, per our interview

The Power's Owner and Head Coach is a Football Lifer and Military Veteran:

Anthony Bartley is as fascinating as he is worldly. He's played football at various levels, traveled the world thanks to his military experience. Bartley is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Even as he could sense his playing career was nearing an end, he still craved to be a part of the football stratosphere.

By owning and coaching the Power, he's free to shape the entire organization into his vision. That's a vision that includes intense community involvement; support and outreach to the youth in the Dubuque community, both boys and girls; partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits, of which the Power already have a plethora.

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How Can You Get Tickets to the Power?:

Season tickets for the Iowa Power are now available to purchase at the Five Flags Center Box Office on Locust Street in Dubuque. Single-game tickets will be available soon.

Starting Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 9am CST, you can get half-priced tickets good for any Iowa Power home game on Seize the Deal's website. The already-affordably priced $10 tickets are available for $5. You can purchase them here, while supplies last.

I have a strong feeling you'll find Anthony Bartley as charismatic and as fascinating as I did. Take a listen to my interview with the man himself below, and follow the Iowa Power on their website or Facebook page for the latest updates.